"Red, Right, Return"

A buoy is a floating device with a number of uses. Today I want to write a little about the most common use which is an Lateral Aid to Navigation. The U.S. Aids to Navigation System is primarily a lateral system which employs a simple arrangement of colors, shapes, numbers and light characteristics to mark the limits of navigable routes. Lateral Aids to Navigation indicate which side of an aid to navigation a vessel should pass when entering from seaward. The most important characteristic is the color. When entering from seaward, the red aids(buoys) should be kept to starboard(right) side and the green aids(buoys) to port(left) side. Thus the phrase "RED, RIGHT, RETURN". This is know as the "3R" rule. So, the next time you are on the water and you pass a red buoy on your right, you'll know that you are heading away from the ocean, even if it is several hundred miles away. Here are a couple more facts about lateral buoys. All red buoys are cone shaped and are marked with even numbers. They are also called "nun buoys". Green buoys are marked with odd numbers.They are the shape of a cylinder and called "can buoys".

Rope or line?

Earlier today as I was reading one of my favorite blogs, I noticed an ad for "boat rope". Seeing this in print made me decide it was time to have the rope vs. line discussion. By definition, rope is cordage as purchased in a store. However, as most boaters know, rope becomes line when it comes aboard a vessel and is put to use. Therefore, you use docking lines, not boat rope, to tie a boat to a dock. So, the next time you pull up to a dock, turn to your first mate and politely ask "Toss me a line" instead of "Give me a rope". You'll be surprised how quickly those funny looks from other docking boaters will go away. Boating is so much fun!

"Star light, star bright, starboard is to the right"

Today's nautical term is:STARBOARD. This is defined as the right side of the boat when looking forward.Therefore it is opposite PORT which is the left side. The starboard side of a vessel is indicated with a green navigation light at night. The word starboard comes from Old English steorboard, literally meaning the side on which the ship is steered. Before ships had rudders on their centerlines, they were steered by use of a specialized steering oar. Because there were more right handed sailors than left-handed sailors, the steering oar was attached to the right side of the ship. So the right side of a vessel became known as the starboard side.

Port wine is red.

Today's nautical term is:PORT. One definition is another name for a harbor. However,the most common definition is the left side of a boat looking forward. Now let me explain the title of this blog. Every power driven boat is required to have red and green navigation lights on the front of the boat. The red light is on the port or left side of the boat. Therefore if you can remember that "port wine is red", then you can remember that the red light is on the port side of the boat. Now you will always know which side is port.

What did you say?

"Coil the line above deck abaft the bridge." Did you get that? If not, don't feel bad. Most people do not understand or use nautical terms. However, if you spend much time around seasoned boaters you may find it helpful to learn some terms so you will be able to understand what is being said. As an added feature to the "Captain's Blog", I will be giving you a daily nautical word and definition. Don't worry because there will be no test and learning the language is not a requirement to enjoy boating. Today's nautical term is: ABAFT. This means toward the rear(stern) of the boat.